McGrath, M. Z., Johns, B. H., &M athur, S. R. (2004). Is History Repeating Itself-Services for Children With Disabilities Endangered. Teaching Exceptional Children, 37(1), 70-71.
http://0-web.ebscohost.com.helin.uri.edu/ehost/detail?vid=6&hid=123&sid=441ceee7-47ca-4fe3-ba8e-4ccde0800d3c%40sessionmgr104&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=eft&AN=507927420

- This article explains the historic perspective in special education and states the laws that are important to protect the rights of students with disabilities, while comparing current attempts to weaken those laws. It also explains how challenging it is to find a successful law and teaching methods that protect those children, which are classified in special education. The author focuses on the individualized needs of children with disabilities and rebuttals the opponents view.
- This article was helpful because it provided readers with a clear understanding of the critical importance of laws specified for children with disabilities. It also states the opposing view, which believes children with disabilities should not be included in a regular classroom for the entire school day. They argue that it is beyond difficult to supply those children with special one-on-one help, forcing the teacher to make accommodations and modifications for them. This concerns Rhode Island schools because teachers need to be up to date with their teaching standards, which have changed over the years.

Yell, M. L., Drasgow, E., & Lowrey, K. (2005). No Child Left Behind and Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders. Focus On Autism And Other Developmental Disabilities, 20(3), 130-139.
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No Child Left Behind
- The author defines the purpose of the No Child Left Behind Act It and describes the history behind it. It explains the impact it has had on not only children with disabilities but also the effects it has on states, school districts, principals, and teachers. The law holds them responsible and accountable for improving the student’s academic performance by adjusting to alternative strategies and methods. The author concludes with recommendations for teachers and staff to help achieve and meet the requirements of the NCLB.
- When I chose this article, I knew it contained credible information from a reliable resource. The author presented accurate information on the history, purpose, and results of the NCLB. This article reminds people of the true meaning of the NCLB act, which teachers from schools in Rhode Island can use to make sure they are meeting the requirements. It somewhat warns them to take better action in their classroom because they are held responsible for their students learning experience.


(2011). No child left behind act. New York: The new york times company.
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/n/no_child_left_behind_act/index.html?scp=5&sq=special%20education%20laws&st=cse

  • This article proposes the idea of reforming the No Child Left Behind Act. President Obama wants each state to raise academic standards and focus on fixing and improving the standards of the few thousand schools that are identified as failing. Tom Harkin, Senator of the Iowa Democratic education committee, suggested a revision of the law that would demolish the use od standardized test scores in math and reading to label a plethora of schools as failing.
  • This article highlights the current problems with the NCLB act that we are facing in todays society. I fund this article interesting because it demonstrates how adjustments or improvements need to be made to old or previous laws. This informs Rhode Island schools to review their laws and determine whether changes should be made.

Kavale, K. A., Spaulding, L. S., & Beam, A. P. (2009). A Time to Define: Making the Specific Learning Disability Definition Prescribe Specific Learning Disability. Learning Disability Quarterly, 31(1), 39-48.
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  • The author of this article explains that the definition of specific learning disability has remained the same since when it was first drafted in 1968. The article also used concepts from the scientific study of formal and operational definitions. It proves that our knowledge has changed immensely after 40 years, which is why it is necessary to change or modify the definition of SLD. The field needs a classification that signifies its best interpretation of the SLD concept.
  • I found this article informing because I did not have a clear understanding of the definition of specific learning disability. I think this article was credible as well. I agree that a change should be made to the definition to make it more accurate. This concerns Rhode Island schools because this may affect certain students with disabilities.

Turque, B. (2011, December 5). District wins appeal of special education ruling. The Washington Post. Retrieved December 5, 2011, from http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-schools-insider/post/district-wins-appeal-of-special-education-ruling/2011/12/05/gIQAhe0pWO_blog.html

  • This article refers back to a case from 1995. During this time the District could not meet their needs in public settings, which forced parents of children with disabilities to attend private schools that they could not afford. Parents of children with disabilities and that should be put in special education argued that this is a violation against the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
  • This article was helpful because it was an example of a specific case that deals with the laws of special education. It referenced the IDEA, which I think many people lost knowledge about. The historic law is still in affect in today’s society. This is concerning to Rhode Island Schools because if the District is not meeting their public settings, parents of children with special education will fight for their rights based on the law.